Strathpeffer Introduction

Attribution: unknown (The ruin of Free Church in Jamestown)

Welcome to Strathpeffer

Strathpeffer stands in a beautiful setting at the head of the Peffery Valley, 200 ft. above sea-level and guarded to the North by the massive bulk of Ben Wyvis. Strathpeffer is a unique place in that it is the only remaining Scottish Spa. The benefits of its waters were first recognised during the latter half of the 18th. century, although the first Pump Room was not built until 1819. In 1861 a larger Pump Room was built , but this has now been demolished. That site is now occupied by The Tasting Pavilion and Tourist Office. The waters contain Sulphur and Chalybeate (Iron) but only the Sulphur Wells are available at present.

The outstanding Victorian Architecture of the village owed much to the development of the Spa, as does the presence of some outstandingly beautiful trees. The village has several small but interesting shops, most clustered around the Square. The old Railway Station has been converted and now houses the Highland Museum of Childhood, a wood-carver’s workshop and some craft shops.

Several walks exist around the village, giving beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. For the energetic, there is also a splendid 18 hole Golf Course. The population of Strathpeffer is in the region of 1200. A large percentage of its inhabitants are retired. Those employed are involved in Tourism, Forestry, Farming and crofting, with quite a number commuting daily, either to Dingwall or Inverness. The village boasts two vey large hotels (over 100 bedrooms each), several hotels and guest houses, Bed and Breakfast accommodation and self-catering establishments.

Strathpeffer is a good centre from which to explore and visit places of interest, including Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, Culloden Battle Field, John O’Groats, Skye, Inverewe Gardens with many other diverse and interesting places within easy reach. Hill-walking, sailing, horse riding, tennis and golf can all be sampled without travelling far.

The water feature in the Square, built in the early 1990s

Attribution: unknown

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Strathpeffer » Strathpeffer Social » Strathpeffer Primary School » Strathpeffer Primary August
A for August
A for August
New School Building
New School Building
The list opposite are the people who were involved in building the school. We would like to thank them for doing such a good job. Please see this list in the web page about the school.
Our first day in our New School
Our first day in our New School
This is everybody on the first day in our new school with Mr Warwick, the school chaplain, blessing the school.
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 1
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 1
The school accommodation is to the west of the site, with the community facilities to the east and the shared-use hall between. There are separate enclosed play areas for both nursery and playgroup children.
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 2
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 2
Accommodation: School - seven classrooms, nursery classroom, two resource areas, learning support room, library, general purpose room, staff accommodation, main hall, kitchen, toilets.
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 3
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 3
The roof tower feature conducts sunlight into the school to enliven the circulation area.
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 4
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 4
The front elevation faces south with the classroom wing running from north to south. This layout maximises the benefits of natural light.
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 5
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 5
The new school was built to provide a new primary school in Strathpeffer to replace village schools at Fodderty and Contin.
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 6
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 6
Also, to provide accommodation for community activities taking into consideration all age groups and abilities.
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 7
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 7
Community Centre - committee room, community room, activity room, community officer's room, kitchen, fitness room, showers, toilets.
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 8
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 8
The building was designed as a single-storey structure to limit the visual impact on the village of Strathpeffer. The materials used were carefully selected to blend in with the neighbouring conservation area. External finishes have been designed to be low-maintenance.
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 9
Photographs of our new school being built - others photo 9
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 1
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 1
Pupils took the first eight of the photographs and parents and friends the others. Most of the information in the captions was taken from the special booklet printed for the Formal Opening Day on Friday 1st December 2000.
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 2
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 2
The building is of timber framed construction ,finished with traditional slate roofs and roughcast walls
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 3
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 3
It is a balance of old and new with proportions and form reflective of tradition, but with some contemporary materials and detailing. This is a picture of the timber roof being worked on.
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 4
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 4
The school accommodation is to the west of the site, with the community facilities to the east and the shared-use hall between. There are separate enclosed play areas for both nursery and playgroup children. This shows the remains of our play park and the start of the new school being built.
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 5
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 5
The school accommodation is to the west of the site, with the community facilities to the east and the shared-use hall between. There are separate enclosed play areas for both nursery and playgroup children. This is the brand new library under construction.
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 6
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 6
Ron Edwards - the site agent
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 7
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 7
The plans on the wall in the site agent's hut
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 8
Photographs of our new school being built - pupil photo 8
The Main Contractor was McGregor Construction ( Highlands ) Ltd.

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